The winger has been deemed surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane for some time now, and is not expected to be offered a new contract with the north London club.

Having spent time on loan with Russian club Rostov, Bentley is now back with former club Blackburn, and is adamant he will only allow himself to think about his future at the end of the season.

"I just think short term now," he told reporters. "I spent too long thinking long term. I'm a bit older and wiser now, but whether that was brought upon me by other people or myself, that is just the way it is.

"I'm out of contract with Tottenham in the summer and I will re-evaluate what I do then, but at the minute I'm just enjoying playing. I spent a bit of time out not playing and it did my brain in.

"I was in Russia for a little bit and enjoyed my time out there. It was a different experience altogether and changed me as a person - it opened my eyes."

The 28-year-old was the focus of jeers from the Millwall fans during his side's 0-0 draw in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final, but instead of disparaging the opposition fans for the abuse, the midfielder believes friendly banter should be encouraged.

"That is what football is all about - there should be more of that," he added.

"Every ground you go to should be like that - the fans fully involved and involved with the players. That is all part of it.

"At times we all get a little politically correct with all the palaver that is going on in society at the minute.

"I personally think the fans should be allowed to drink, to enjoy themselves and to abuse the players. Why not?

"The players will just take it like I have. It is like a pantomime and it should be like that. I think that is the way it should be.

"It makes it more exciting. Football can, at times, seem a little bit boring and people are paying big money to come and see the game so I see no problem in what they say - so long as they stay away from racism and homophobia."

When asked whether he was happy to be the pantomime villain, Bentley joked: "Yes, exactly. And why not? It is enjoyable.

"I've been at Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham, so take your pick...

"When I played at Arsenal in the last round I only came on for 20 minutes but the crowd were all over me there. That is fun and I don't see any problem in that."